SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At the Dubai Airshow, which took place in mid-November, Russian officials presented the updated version of the Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter. This aircraft was designed to transport cargo and personnel. This was the first international trade show appearance for the Il-76MD-90A.
Like many planes designed in the Soviet era, the Il-76 has glass at the bottom of the nose to give navigators a good view. Russian officials have confirmed that the new upgraded aircraft has been offered to many current Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter operators, including India, which is looking to replace older ones. The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates 17 Ilyushin Il-76s that were procured in the mid-1980s and are expected to be completely retired from service by 2035 onwards.
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Public sector major Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has claimed that it is expecting orders for the laser beam riding missile or LBRM being manufactured by BDL under a Joint development programme with Thales, UK from Army Air Defence soon. BDL is expecting orders for 254 crores
The current inventory of MANPADS in IA has only MANPADS of IR homing types. These are susceptible to ‘Trn-based IR Source effects’ of Northern Borders and IR countermeasures of hostile platforms. MANPADS with Laser Beam Riding tech cannot be jammed by such measures and therefore have better survival in the EW environment.
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Public sector major Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of India’s indigenous air defence capabilities by commencing Limited Series Production clearance from DRDO for Astra Mark-I Missile. The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by BDL, is a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile that will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities.
Last Year BDL got a Rs 2,971-crore contract for Astra Mk1, which will be executed in six years. DRDO has completed the transfer of technology on the missile and associated equipment to BDL, and production has already started. BDL is estimated to be able to manufacture 100 units of Astra Mk1 missiles per year and will complete the order book of 500 units by 2027.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to take a major step towards bolstering its combat capabilities with the planned acquisition of 97 additional LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. The Rajnath Singh-led defense acquisitions council is expected to grant the ‘acceptance of necessity’ (AoN) for the purchase when they meet on the 30th of this month.
The AoN is a crucial step in the procurement process, signaling the government’s approval for the purchase and paving the way for further negotiations. Once the AoNs are granted, the tendering and commercial negotiations will take place before the three deals are submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the final nod.
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The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is strategically investing in the development of long-range air-launched weapons systems to counter the growing deployment of advanced air defense systems by India. In particular, the Harbah NG anti-ship cruising missile (ASCM) and the Taimur air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) are emerging as key components of Pakistan’s defense strategy to maintain a robust deterrent against evolving regional threats.
India’s substantial investment in long-range air defense systems has expanded its capability to monitor the entire airspace of Pakistan, including aircraft take-offs and landings. This poses a significant challenge for Pakistan, given the limited depth of its airspace. To address this, the PAF is strategically focusing on the development and deployment of advanced and long-range air-launched weapons.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to develop a low-cost cruise missile (LCCM) that can be launched from fighter jets, MALE/HALE Class UAVS, and even attack helicopters. The missile is expected to have a range of 100-150 kilometres and will be used to take out low-priority targets.
The IAF is studying the Russian-Ukraine war, where precision-guided munitions (PGMs) and subsonic cruise missiles have been used extensively by the Russian Air Force. This has led the IAF to explore the development of a low-cost cruise missile that can be used to strike targets at a standoff distance.
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Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has confirmed that the first of the Project-17 Alpha stealth frigates, INS Nilgiri, will be delivered to the Indian Navy sometime next year. The remaining three ships in the series will be delivered once per year, with the final delivery expected in 2026.
The Project-17A frigates are among the most advanced warships currently under construction in India. They are designed to provide the Indian Navy with a potent platform for anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare. The frigates are equipped with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors, and modern platform management systems.
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In a significant development, Colonel Vikram, Vice President of Solar Group Economic Explosives Limited, has confirmed the successful development of a cutting-edge 125 kg pre-fragmented bomb tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
This munition, crafted according to NATO specifications, marks a notable advancement in the military capabilities of the Indian armed forces.
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After confirming the development and maiden trial of the submarine-launched Cruise missile (SLCM) with a range of 402 earlier this year, DRDO is advancing its work on the development of a Air launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) based Variant that can be launched from Fighter jets.
The 1-ton ALCM will come minus its Solid Booster and will need to be ejected from the Pylon It will reduce weight by 300kg making it efficient to be used on any fighter type that IAF desires. DRDO already developed Two more Variant Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) and Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) that are based on the SLCM. ALCM will feature slightly different airframes that are optimised for Air Launched.
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Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is intensifying efforts to significantly increase the indigenization content of the Kalvari class submarines, aiming to elevate it from the current 32% to an impressive 60%. Sanjeev Singhal, the Director of Finance at MDL, confirmed this ambitious plan, highlighting the progress made in indigenizing critical components and expressing the commitment to enhance India’s self-reliance in submarine construction.
MDL has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to indigenize key components of the Kalvari class submarines, a crucial step towards reducing dependency on foreign imports. Singhal revealed that out of the Major 165 equipment, 30 have already undergone successful indigenization processes. The ongoing efforts encompass a broad spectrum of components, including combat systems, integrated combat systems, attack periscope, search optronics mast, sonar and navigation equipment, communication equipment, and the essential HP air compressor.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received a tender for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI fighters, which will be manufactured in India by HAL in partnership with the Russian original equipment manufacturers. The 12 Su-30MKI fighters will be procured as CKD kits from Russia, with only the fuselages being manufactured in India. HAL plans to equip these fighters with the “Super 30” upgrade package, which will see major changes to the aircraft internals, including 51 major changes in the equipment and components.
The “Super 30” upgrade package will include new mission computers, a Uttam AESA radar, and full upgrades to the cockpit instrumentation, including touch-based LCD screens. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) have already cleared the upgrade of 84 older Su-30MKI fighters with the “Super 30” upgrade package in the first phase of upgrades.
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India is planning to develop an Underwater Test and Tracking Range (TTR) to test its torpedoes and other underwater weapons. The proposed TTR will consist of both onshore and offshore facilities and will be located on the eastern coast of India.
The TTR will be used to test a variety of torpedoes, including heavyweight torpedoes and those with thermal navigation systems. It will also be used to test other underwater weapons, such as mines and underwater drones.
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Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd., has successfully established production of the Multi-Mode Hand Grenade (MMHG) as per Transfer of Technology (ToT) obtained from the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL). The company has already delivered over 10 lakh units of MMHG to the Indian Army, fulfilling its order.
EEL has also received clearance from the Ministry of Defense (MoD) for the export of MMHG and is currently in discussions with several countries that have expressed interest in the Indian-made grenade. The MMHG is a replacement for the vintage Hand Grenade M 36 and offers several advantages to soldiers in terms of safety, dual-mode capability, and lethality.
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The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of India is gearing up for a renewed effort in the development of a thrust vectoring nozzle (TVN) after facing setbacks in its previous attempts. Thrust vectoring technology holds immense significance in enhancing the maneuverability and performance of fighter aircraft, making it a crucial aspect of aero-engine applications.
In the late 1990s, GTRE initiated discussions with U.S. engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for the development of a thrust vectoring nozzle. However, these talks did not progress further due to the imposition of sanctions on India following its nuclear tests. Subsequently, in 2015, GTRE entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russian JSC Rosoboronexport/JSC Klimov for joint development of a Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring Nozzle. Despite these efforts, the challenges persisted.
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In a strategic last-minute move, the American company Cummins has played a crucial role in powering India’s upcoming indigenous Zorawar light tank prototype. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in India approached Cummins to supply a 1000Hp engine for the tank, and the company swiftly responded, showcasing its commitment to supporting India’s defense capabilities. This development comes as a response to the Indian Army’s demand for 350 Light Tanks, pending successful completion of the Zorawar prototype’s Summer and Winter Trials.
Originally, the German company MTU was the first choice to provide engines for the Zorawar light tank program. MTU, renowned for supplying engines for India’s Arjun Main Battle Tanks (MBT), was well-positioned to contribute to this new endeavor. However, due to bureaucratic hurdles in securing BAFA clearance from the German Government, Cummins stepped in to fill the gap.
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